The Five: Sleeper State Title Teams (Class 4A, 5A, 6A)

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Many teams across these classifications are state powers &amp; viewed as lead contenders for state titles but the five teams mentioned below can't be slept on as they might be there in the end, competing for championships as well!</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>1. Upperman Bees </strong>(Class 4A)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- For over the last decade, the Bees of Upperman have been a consistent, steady program that has won a lot of ball games but they have yet to break through with that elusive state championship. Could the 2023 season finally be their year? We shall see but the Bees have a veteran squad this season with good skill and some beef within the trenches to compete for a region title then go into the playoffs and compete for that 4A state title. It won't be an easy path for the Bees as they will have stiff in-region competition along with strong squads spread throughout the 4A ranks that will be in their way but this program knows how to win, so you can't count them out!&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Where the Bees should be quite strong this year is with their rushing attack and ability to ball control the clock. Upperman has a Mr. Football candidate in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='277791' first='Jaxson' last='Rollins'] </strong>that can put his team on his back along with a strong O-line, led by senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='207305' first='Evan' last='Briggs'] </strong>that can pave his way. Over on defense, the Bees have a stud rusher in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='207308' first='Clayton' last='Harris'] </strong>that can cause a lot of damage in the backfield and possibly lead the 4A ranks in sacks. Beyond those three, the Bees have solid depth but will need some guys to step forward into lead roles and produce if Upperman plans to compete for titles. Upperman may not be viewed as a top contender for the 4A championship right now but they are the kind of team that can sneak up and bite ya while keeping their head down with their eyes on the prize of becoming a state champion.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":949405,"width":354,"height":354,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/08/ebriggs.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-949405" style="width:354px;height:354px" width="354" height="354" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2. Oak Ridge Wildcats </strong>(Class 5A)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- For many years now, the Oak Ridge Wildcats have been putting out some talented rosters but the wins and championships have not been there, however the 2023 season could be different as this team has some star power and depth that might produce a region title and a possible run after the 5A title. What makes you excited about the Wildcats this year is their explosive, possible high scoring offense with some studs in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='149157' first='Brandon' last='Heyward']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='207340' first='Almani' last='Rembert'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='741423' first='De'Jauvis' last='Dozier'] </strong>that can take over games and produce issues for the opposition. Heyward and Rembert are fast, big play threats at receiver while Dozier is a home run hitter from his running back position that could be in contention for Mr. Football. Multiple pieces are in place for Oak Ridge to have one of the best offenses in the East Tennessee region but can their defense and the team as a whole hold up for the entire season?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>If these Wildcats want a shot at the 5A title, they must stay consistent throughout the entire season while remaining healthy and steadily improving week in and week out. Oak Ridge has had big time talent in the past but the program hasn't gotten over the hurdle towards being a championship contender. This year is as good as any for the Wildcats to change that as they have a well balanced team with veteran game breakers that many teams won't have an answer for. I would not be surprised at all to look up in December and see Oak Ridge in Chattanooga competing for the 5A title with a good shot at winning it.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":379078,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/07/arembert.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-379078" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>3. Centennial Cougars </strong>(Class 5A)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- It's a new season and a new classification for Centennial as they made the move down to the 5A level and it looks like a good decision as the Cougars return significant experience and production from last year's team as well as some of the best skill talent in the Mid-Tennessee region. It's not far off to say that these Cougars are more than a sleeper for the 5A title this year but a serious contender. Centennial won't have an easy path this year as their region looks tough and the 5A ranks is stacked with championship caliber teams but I think these Cougars are up for the challenge, especially with an explosive offense set in place.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A big reason for the possible high scoring offense is the addition of new quarterback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='148876' first='Elisha' last='Nieves']</strong>. This 6'4 gunslinger has vastly improved this off-season to provide a legitimate guy behind center who can toss it to some serious talent. Those guys on offense Nieves will be throwing it to are quite talented with seniors <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='820916' first='Jyrine' last='Otey'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='316773' first='Dominic' last='Reed'] </strong>leading the way and a fast and explosive wideout in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='310897' first='Kani'' last='Johnson'] </strong>that can take the top off. The Cougars are also well equipped at running back with one of the best seniors returning in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='149149' first='Taner' last='Lee']</strong>. All the pieces on offense are in place to be one of the best in the state but can the entire team gel together and go after a 5A state title? We shall see!!&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>4. Riverdale Warriors </strong>(Class 6A)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Playing inside a region with state power Oakland, the Riverdale Warriors have to overcome one of the best teams in the state each and every season but maybe this 2023 team finally has what it takes to overtake them and pursue a Class 6A state championship. Reason for this thinking is the fact that the Warriors have a loaded and talented roster that should be equipped to take on top level teams and the depth to go a long way into the playoffs. A big factor for success this year will be the play of the Riverdale offense, led by two studs in quarterback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='119096' first='Braden' last='Graham'] </strong>and UConn commit, wideout <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='149160' first='Brock' last='Montgomery']</strong>.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Riverdale could have the best overall offense in years as you have a veteran signal caller in Graham that has some big time targets to throw to in Montgomery, two-way talent <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='286599' first='Keshawn' last='Williams'] </strong>and senior slot <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='150289' first='Braylen' last='Vanderbilt']</strong>. The defense looks pretty strong as well, especially in the secondary where the Warriors have four future college guys in Williams, Michigan St. commit <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='149390' first='Jaylen' last='Thompson']</strong>, junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='219397' first='Dominic' last='Taylor'] </strong>and rising sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='402570' first='T.O.' last='Otey']. </strong>As a whole, the Warriors might have the best team they have had yet over recent years with veterans and talent that can compete for the region title and if they win that over Oakland, a state title is not out of the realm of possibility.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":696094,"width":343,"height":483,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/03/bgraham.jpg?w=728" alt="" class="wp-image-696094" style="width:343px;height:483px" width="343" height="483" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>5. Brentwood Bruins </strong>(Class 6A)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Coming off a subpar 2022 season, the Brentwood Bruins are looking to bounce back this year with not only a run at their region title but a sneaky team that could make enough noise in the 6A playoffs and pursue a state championship. A big reason for that statement is due to the Bruins veteran team and their defense, which might be one of the best in the state. Brentwood typically plays a physical, technique sound brand of football and that's especially the case in the defensive front seven. The Bruins have a nice mixture of talent up front, led by seniors <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='480631' first='Maddox' last='McKim']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='244642' first='Cooper' last='McAfee']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='812489' first='Will' last='Adcock']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='491462' first='Maximus' last='Orefice'] </strong>and D-lineman <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='814789' first='Seth' last='Adams'] </strong>that will be leaders and the heart of the team.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Brentwood's defense will be complemented by a solid offense that got better in the offseason with the addition of senior quarterback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='550150' first='Baylor' last='Hayes']</strong>. The 6'1 passer has picked up several FCS offers this summer and looks poised to lead a pass heavy offense with targets to throw it to in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='193752' first='Matthew' last='Manning']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='219420' first='Clayton' last='Merrill']</strong> and others. The Bruins should also have offensive balance too with the rushing attack of senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='480912' first='Trey' last='Dorris']</strong>. Looking through this roster, especially with the addition of Hayes, says that the Bruins are set for a big season that may become special starting with a region title and a sleeper team for the Class 6A championship.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Other Teams to Watch: (4A) - DeKalb Co., Marshall Co., (5A) - Sevier Co., Knox. Central, (6A) - Houston</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":949413,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/08/bayhayes.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-949413" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->